Police issue code-yellow alert at Pawcatuck schools

STONINGTON — Children were kept indoors under a code-yellow lockdown at Pawcatuck elementary schools Friday while police searched for a man who was thought to be armed.

Kenneth Clift Jr., 18, of 113 Liberty St., Pawcatuck, allegedly left home angry after an argument Friday morning, and police believed he was carrying a hatchet. In an abundance of caution, police issued a code-yellow alert at West Broad Street School, West Vine Street School, and St. Michael’s School. Students had to stay in their classrooms, with doors and windows shut, until the alert was canceled after about 45 minutes.

When Clift returned home, police learned he had left the hatchet at the house that morning. He was charged with disorderly conduct and third-degree criminal mischief. Clift will appear in New London’s Geographical Area 10 Court on Monday.